Harrisburg − State Sen. John N. Wozniak (D-Cambria/Bedford/Clearfield) said legislation adopted by the state Senate that adds new education requirements for licensed medical professionals who prescribe opioids is a significant step forward in addressing opioid abuse and heroin addiction.
Wozniak comments on the Senate’s unanimous passage of Senate Bill 1202 follows:
“The passage of the legislation requiring two hours of additional education in pain management for those licensed medical professionals who prescribe opioids is an excellent step forward in dealing with abuse and heroin addiction. However, with the Senate passage of this measure, the job is not finished. The state House of Representatives should act quickly and consider this measure.
“As we have learned from hearings and roundtable discussions, opioid abuse and heroin addiction have broken families and destroyed communities. We have to address this epidemic on multiple fronts and in a variety of ways.
“I commend Senator Gene Yaw, who is the prime sponsor of this legislation, for his leadership in the effort to curb opioid abuse.”
Over the last several years, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania has held hearings across the state to explore opioid abuse in depth. Wozniak joined Yaw in sponsoring this measure. Wozniak serves as vice-chair of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. Yaw chairs the center’s board.
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